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Gary W. Nelson, age 76, of North Branch, passed away on Wednesday March 6, 2019 at the Dell Webb Hospital in Sun City West, AZ. 

Gary was born on July 5, 1942 in Rush City to parents Wilford and Allie (Olson) Nelson. Wilford passed away in 1947. Allie married Gottfred who raised Gary and his brother Jim.  Gary graduated from North Branch High School in 1960 and Dunwoody Technical Institute in 1962. He worked at Honeywell as a Lab Technician in the Military Avionics Division until his retirement in 1994.  Growing up with a father who was a mechanic Gary had a lifelong love of cars.  He enjoyed buying and selling cars, attending car shows, drag racing, Nascar, and belonged to various car clubs through the years and he treasured the friendships that resulted. In 1970 he officially started Nelson Auto Sales, which his daughter Jo Ann continues to operate.  He enjoyed many winters in Arizona with family and friends.        

Gary is survived by his wife Bonnie (Carlson) of 56 1/2 years; daughters Julie (Lance) Morgan and Jo Ann Dolezalek; granddaughters Jessica (Peter) Larsen, Danielle Morgan (fiance Luke Baumann), Nicole Morgan, Laura Dolezalek (fiance Sam Peltier), Emily Dolezalek; great grandchildren Simon and Greta Larsen; brother James (Caryl) Nelson; sister in law Dawn Carlson, and many other relatives and friends.          

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.  We invite you to wear a car t-shirt to the visitation and funeral.       

Funeral services will be held at 11a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Branch with Rev. Susan Schoon officiating.  Music will be provided by Deb Aulich and Peter Larsen.   Visitation with be Friday, March 15 from 5-8 p.m. at Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch and also one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday. Serving as casketbearers are Ron Barsness, Paul Lindberg, Perry Lindberg, Butch Olson, Gary Schaefer and Brad Wilcox.  

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch.  Condolences maybe expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com.

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